Diocese of Fresno Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The year 1967 was a year to remember in so many ways: On April 29, the largest ordination class (9) in the history of the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno was ordained by Bishop Aloysius J. Willinger, C.SS.R. The following October 25, Bishop Willinger retired at the age of 81 as the last Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno and the Diocese was divided into two with the establishment of the new Diocese of Fresno and the new Diocese of Monterey in California. December 15, 1967, is the official date when the Diocese of Fresno was canonically established with the installation of our first Bishop, the Most Reverend Timothy Manning. On Thursday, December 15, 2016, the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno, Bishop Armando X. Ochoa, will open a Year of Grace commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the diocese with Mass at 7:00 pm in St. John’s Cathedral in Fresno. All are welcome to this celebration and to join us in our year-long journey remembering “who we have been, who we are, and who we are called to be” as the Community of Faith in the Diocese of Fresno. The general theme for the 50th Anniversary year is: “SIEMPRE ADELANTE – Keep Moving Forward!” With the assistance of an enthusiastic organizing committee, a logo has been developed which celebrates the Diocese of Fresno’s natural and human richness. Other activities and events are being planned throughout the year to follow our journey of growth and fruitful ministry over the decades. More information will be coming, so we invite you to keep your eyes on this space, our diocesan web-site, KNXT – Catholic Television, and your parish bulletin.